Huijsen returns to Mestalla: From hero to zero as doubts creep in
Dean Huijsen heads back to Valencia where he shone for Spain, but now faces an uphill battle at Real Madrid amid defensive uncertainty and growing competition.
Young defender returns to the scene of his international breakthrough, but now faces fresh challenges at the Bernabéu
Talk about a proper rollercoaster! Dean Huijsen is heading back to Mestalla this weekend, the very ground where he announced himself on the international stage for Spain less than a year ago. But blimey, what a difference a few months make in football.
From Spanish debutant to Madrid struggles
Cast your mind back to when the 19-year-old stepped in for an injured Cubarsí against the Netherlands in Rotterdam. The lad looked like he’d been playing international football his entire life. Then at Mestalla, he started and convinced everyone Spain had unearthed a proper talent for the future.
Fast forward to now, and our boy’s situation at Real Madrid is looking a bit Pete Tong. After a promising start that justified Los Blancos’ investment, things have gone somewhat sideways - much like Madrid’s season as a whole:
- Knocked out of the Copa del Rey
- Lost the Supercopa to Barcelona
- Changed managers mid-season
- Defensive injury crisis
The Rüdiger factor
The potential return of Antonio Rüdiger throws another spanner in the works for Huijsen. His confidence took a knock in Madrid’s last match against Rayo Vallecano, when Arbeloa hauled him off for Alaba before the final whistle after some dodgy moments in possession. The Bernabéu faithful were already on edge with the scoreline at 1-1, which didn’t help matters.
Finding his feet
Interestingly, Huijsen’s best performances have come alongside the experienced Militão, who’s currently crocked. The young defender has shown flashes of being a modern centre-back - comfortable in possession and thriving when Madrid press high up the pitch.
But when the team drops deeper and defends in their own box, that’s when the Málaga-born lad has struggled - particularly with playing out from the back in tight spaces.
Making matters worse, Huijsen has been playing through the pain barrier recently, forced into action by Madrid’s defensive crisis that at one point saw them field just a single natural defender (Asencio) with Tchouaméni dropping back alongside Valverde and Camavinga in makeshift roles.
Despite these teething problems, there’s still absolute belief in Huijsen’s potential at the Bernabéu. The £58 million Madrid paid Bournemouth shows the level of investment in his future. But with Asencio also impressing when given the chance, the competition for places alongside Rüdiger (when fit) remains wide open.